3 hours in ...
New York
New York in three hours? That’s a tall order in any city but in the mother of all metropolises, it’s a near impossibility. Or is it? Our exclusive tips give an insider’s view of the city, focusing on highlights you won’t find in other guides.
Delis, Bars & Restaurants
Republic
It is not one of New York’s ‘in’ eateries but it offers a relaxed, modern setting to enjoy oriental cuisine alongside locals.
37 Union Square, www.thinknoodles.com
Roof Garden Café
The perfect place for a romantic date: the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With sensational views of Central Park, and the Manhattan skyline. What’s more, you can enjoy some excellent sculpture exhibitions. Open May through October (except Mondays).
1000 Fifth Avenue, phone +1 212 535 7710, www.metmuseum.org
Spice Market
A cool venue in the Meatpacking district. The tables are positioned in small alcoves around an atrium. And the Eastern-style interior and subtle lighting create a chilled atmosphere. On the menu: delicious variations on oriental cuisine.
403 West 13th Street, phone +1 212 6 75 23 22, www.jean-georges.com
Cleopatra’s Needle
You could easily miss this inconspicuous bar on the Upper West Side. But the jam sessions that take place behind these doorsare legendary. Newcomers make their breakthrough in this dimly-lit room. And some of the greats of the jazz world occasionally drop by. But its Mediterranean vegetarian food is also worth the visit. The bar’s name is a reference to the Egyptian obelisk in Central Park.
2485 Broadway, phone +1 212 769 6969, www.cleopatrasneedleny.com
Culture
Whitney Museum of American Art
A homage to American art spread across four floors (see photo above). It includes studies by Robert Henri, Maurice Prendergast, Ben Shahn, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and around 2000 pieces by Edward Hopper. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
945 Madison Avenue, www.whitney.org
Bargemusic
The world’s only floating chamber concert hall. Violinist Olga Bloom hosts around 220 chamber concerts each year, for around 125 guests at a time, on a barge on the East River. Listen to top-rate musicians and watch the lights of the city dancing on the water. Fulton ferry landing, on the Brooklyn side, directly next to Brooklyn Bridge.
The High Line
New York’s most exciting park project is a breathtaking elevated green oasis, stretching for 2.3km above Manhattan. It offersbeautiful walks and a unique view of the city. Landscape gardeners and architects have created a green haven in the middle of the Big Apple. Benches and deckchairs provide a refuge from the hustle and bustle, and state-of-the-art LED lighting creates striking effects.
www.thehighline.org
Shopping
Green is definitely the new black in New York. Green and organic markets can be found in almost every district. All markets are open from 8am to 6pm, unless otherwise stated. For a comprehensive list, visit: www.ny.com/dining/green.html. We recommend the St. Mark’s Church farmers’ market. It’s a paradise for lovers of all things organic – though the prices are pretty high. In addition, the area is teeming with quirky shops and cafes – well worth a visit. Open Tuesdays 8am to 7pm June through December
East 10th and 2nd Avenue
Aedes De Venustas
This lavish perfume store with its fine array of soaps and body lotions attracts some well-known customers, including Madonna and Heidi Klum. Alongside the latest scents from top brands, German owners Karl Bradl and Robert Gerstner present their own exclusive range of beautifully packaged perfumes. Prices range from $20 to $1300.
9 Christopher Street, www.aedes.com
Running
One of the most popular jogging routes follows the Hudson River, and offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline. Our favorite: start at the George Washington bridge and run along the waterfront path that takes you through several parks. For abreak, take in the panorama at one of the newly-renovated piers. The New York Road Runners Club offers more recommendations: www.nyrr.org/resources/training/central_park.asp
Delis, Bars & Restaurants
Republic
It is not one of New York’s ‘in’ eateries but it offers a relaxed, modern setting to enjoy oriental cuisine alongside locals.
37 Union Square, www.thinknoodles.com
Roof Garden Café
The perfect place for a romantic date: the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With sensational views of Central Park, and the Manhattan skyline. What’s more, you can enjoy some excellent sculpture exhibitions. Open May through October (except Mondays).
1000 Fifth Avenue, phone +1 212 535 7710, www.metmuseum.org
Spice Market
A cool venue in the Meatpacking district. The tables are positioned in small alcoves around an atrium. And the Eastern-style interior and subtle lighting create a chilled atmosphere. On the menu: delicious variations on oriental cuisine.
403 West 13th Street, phone +1 212 6 75 23 22, www.jean-georges.com
Cleopatra’s Needle
You could easily miss this inconspicuous bar on the Upper West Side. But the jam sessions that take place behind these doorsare legendary. Newcomers make their breakthrough in this dimly-lit room. And some of the greats of the jazz world occasionally drop by. But its Mediterranean vegetarian food is also worth the visit. The bar’s name is a reference to the Egyptian obelisk in Central Park.
2485 Broadway, phone +1 212 769 6969, www.cleopatrasneedleny.com
Culture
Whitney Museum of American Art
A homage to American art spread across four floors (see photo above). It includes studies by Robert Henri, Maurice Prendergast, Ben Shahn, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and around 2000 pieces by Edward Hopper. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
945 Madison Avenue, www.whitney.org
Bargemusic
The world’s only floating chamber concert hall. Violinist Olga Bloom hosts around 220 chamber concerts each year, for around 125 guests at a time, on a barge on the East River. Listen to top-rate musicians and watch the lights of the city dancing on the water. Fulton ferry landing, on the Brooklyn side, directly next to Brooklyn Bridge.
The High Line
New York’s most exciting park project is a breathtaking elevated green oasis, stretching for 2.3km above Manhattan. It offersbeautiful walks and a unique view of the city. Landscape gardeners and architects have created a green haven in the middle of the Big Apple. Benches and deckchairs provide a refuge from the hustle and bustle, and state-of-the-art LED lighting creates striking effects.
www.thehighline.org
Shopping
Green is definitely the new black in New York. Green and organic markets can be found in almost every district. All markets are open from 8am to 6pm, unless otherwise stated. For a comprehensive list, visit: www.ny.com/dining/green.html. We recommend the St. Mark’s Church farmers’ market. It’s a paradise for lovers of all things organic – though the prices are pretty high. In addition, the area is teeming with quirky shops and cafes – well worth a visit. Open Tuesdays 8am to 7pm June through December
East 10th and 2nd Avenue
Aedes De Venustas
This lavish perfume store with its fine array of soaps and body lotions attracts some well-known customers, including Madonna and Heidi Klum. Alongside the latest scents from top brands, German owners Karl Bradl and Robert Gerstner present their own exclusive range of beautifully packaged perfumes. Prices range from $20 to $1300.
9 Christopher Street, www.aedes.com
Running
One of the most popular jogging routes follows the Hudson River, and offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline. Our favorite: start at the George Washington bridge and run along the waterfront path that takes you through several parks. For abreak, take in the panorama at one of the newly-renovated piers. The New York Road Runners Club offers more recommendations: www.nyrr.org/resources/training/central_park.asp
Vienna
Vienna could be compared to an old-fashioned diva who loves to surprise her visitors by dressing in modern gowns. The traditional laid-back feeling, typical of this city, is present in the city’s many coffee houses, parks and museums. But behind the baroque façade, there is also a new and hip Vienna. The club scene, like in any other European metropolis, has international influences. But where else in the world are female guests called “Miss” and greeted by fierce-looking bouncers with a tender kiss on the hand?
Coffee Houses
Some classics are:
Café Sperl
Luckily, time has stood still here. The waiters are extremely charming yet über-efficient. The interior is old, or at least it has been perfectly restored, and there is a huge range of national and international newspapers and magazines for guests to persue. At the back of the café, the clack-clack of colored billiard balls rings out. Closed Sundays in July and August.
Gumpendorfer Str. 11, phone +43 1586 4158, www.cafesperl.at
Café Jelinek
There’s no need to rush – that’s this café’s endearing motto. Delicious homemade pastries, heavenly coffee blends, and in winter, a wood stove crackles away in the corner. Simply divine.
phone +43 1597 4113
Café Prückl
Traditional café on Ringstrasse. Locals have been bringing their guests here to enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat for over one hundred years. Either immerse yourself in your paper or set the world to rights with the person at the next table.
Stubenring 24, phone +43 1512 6115, www.prueckl.at
Restaurants
Österreicher im MAK
Award-winning chef Helmut Österreicher serves up mouthwatering modern Viennese dishes. But you definitely need to book. Stubenring 5, phone +43 1714 0121, www.oesterreicherimmak.at
Shopping
Dorotheum
Whether you want to buy or just look, Aunt Dorothee, as the Viennese call the oldest auctioneer and pawnbroker in the city, is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find jewelry, furniture, paintings, antiques, knick-knacks and kitsch. Around 600 lively auctions are held each year. But there are also plenty of regular stores for shopping.
Dorotheergasse 17, www.dorotheum.com
Kaufhaus Steffl
This classic shopper’s paradise was relocated to a brandnew, futuristic building a few years ago. You’ll find everything you want: from traditional Austrian dress to international designer brands. And the Sky Bar on the top floor offers a spectacular view of the city.
Kärntner Str. 19, www.kaufhaus-steffl.at
Culture
Museumsquartier
One of the ten largest cultural and artistic districts in the world. The white cube is home to a unique collection of Austrian art. And a further architectural highlight, a giant gray block, houses MUMOK, the Museum of Modern Art.Its courtyard, complete with distinctive plastic structures called Enzis, is popular with sunbathers in the summer. In winter, the Enzis become igloos and serve hot punch.
Museumsplatz 1, www.mqw.at
Albertina
A Viennese highlight. The largest graphic collection in the world includes over one and a half million prints. From Dürer to Rubens to Chagall – the Albertina boasts pieces from almost all prominent artists. Visit before January 10, 2010 and catch theacclaimed Impressionism exhibition “Painting Light”.
Albertinaplatz 1, www.albertina.at
Running
The most popular jogging routes through the city are those in the pretty Viennese parks, such as Schönbrunn, Türkenschanzpark or Prater. All running and walking trails are well signposted, telling visitors everything they need toknow about their chosen route. For a comprehensive list of trails in Vienna, visit www.runningcheckpoint.at
Coffee Houses
Some classics are:
Café Sperl
Luckily, time has stood still here. The waiters are extremely charming yet über-efficient. The interior is old, or at least it has been perfectly restored, and there is a huge range of national and international newspapers and magazines for guests to persue. At the back of the café, the clack-clack of colored billiard balls rings out. Closed Sundays in July and August.
Gumpendorfer Str. 11, phone +43 1586 4158, www.cafesperl.at
Café Jelinek
There’s no need to rush – that’s this café’s endearing motto. Delicious homemade pastries, heavenly coffee blends, and in winter, a wood stove crackles away in the corner. Simply divine.
phone +43 1597 4113
Café Prückl
Traditional café on Ringstrasse. Locals have been bringing their guests here to enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat for over one hundred years. Either immerse yourself in your paper or set the world to rights with the person at the next table.
Stubenring 24, phone +43 1512 6115, www.prueckl.at
Restaurants
Österreicher im MAK
Award-winning chef Helmut Österreicher serves up mouthwatering modern Viennese dishes. But you definitely need to book. Stubenring 5, phone +43 1714 0121, www.oesterreicherimmak.at
Shopping
Dorotheum
Whether you want to buy or just look, Aunt Dorothee, as the Viennese call the oldest auctioneer and pawnbroker in the city, is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find jewelry, furniture, paintings, antiques, knick-knacks and kitsch. Around 600 lively auctions are held each year. But there are also plenty of regular stores for shopping.
Dorotheergasse 17, www.dorotheum.com
Kaufhaus Steffl
This classic shopper’s paradise was relocated to a brandnew, futuristic building a few years ago. You’ll find everything you want: from traditional Austrian dress to international designer brands. And the Sky Bar on the top floor offers a spectacular view of the city.
Kärntner Str. 19, www.kaufhaus-steffl.at
Culture
Museumsquartier
One of the ten largest cultural and artistic districts in the world. The white cube is home to a unique collection of Austrian art. And a further architectural highlight, a giant gray block, houses MUMOK, the Museum of Modern Art.Its courtyard, complete with distinctive plastic structures called Enzis, is popular with sunbathers in the summer. In winter, the Enzis become igloos and serve hot punch.
Museumsplatz 1, www.mqw.at
Albertina
A Viennese highlight. The largest graphic collection in the world includes over one and a half million prints. From Dürer to Rubens to Chagall – the Albertina boasts pieces from almost all prominent artists. Visit before January 10, 2010 and catch theacclaimed Impressionism exhibition “Painting Light”.
Albertinaplatz 1, www.albertina.at
Running
The most popular jogging routes through the city are those in the pretty Viennese parks, such as Schönbrunn, Türkenschanzpark or Prater. All running and walking trails are well signposted, telling visitors everything they need toknow about their chosen route. For a comprehensive list of trails in Vienna, visit www.runningcheckpoint.at